Same values: Mulgrave incumbent and Labor Party member Paul Klisaris says he has found common ground with Tiffnee Mellech, who describes herself as having "strong Liberal values". Picture: Rob Carew
THE authenticity of two Monash election candidates is being questioned after it was discovered they are preferencing Australian Labor Party members despite describing themselves as 'Liberal' supporters.
A third candidate has also come under fire for preferencing a Liberal Party candidate despite saying he supports the trade union movement — a key ALP platform.
Mulgrave ward candidate and Liberal Party member Robert Davies has lodged a complaint with the Victoria Electoral Commission against fellow contender Tiffnee Mellech over her candidate statement on the VEC website.
The paragraph-long statement says Ms Mellech holds "strong Liberal values". But despite this, her immediate preferences flow to known Labor Party members Paul Klisaris, John Sharkey, Micaela Drieberg and John Maddaluno.
Ms Mellech also preferences independent Anamika Srivastava, ALP member Li-Wen Huc, Australian Sex Party members Lisa Alexandra Chevallier and Neale Michael Wolfson, and Greens member John Janetzki ahead of anyone from the Liberal Party.
Mr Davies, who is Ms Mellech's 15th preference, is furious at her alleged subterfuge.
"She's being false and misleading in her statement by saying she has 'big L' Liberal values and she's preferencing somebody who is a well known Labor figure," he said.
"If she was preferencing people with Liberal values, I wouldn't have an issue."
Returning officer for the Monash council election Jeff Gazzard said the VEC did not comment on complaints or challenges, but the Weekly understands the matter has been referred to the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate.
Ms Mellech did not respond to the Weekly's questions about her candidate statement.